OpenAI has begun testing advertisements within its ChatGPT platform for users on the Free and ChatGPT Go subscription plans in the United States. The initiative is designed to help fund broader access to ChatGPT without affecting how the AI generates answers or users’ privacy.
Under the current test, served starting February 9, 2026, logged-in adult users on the Free and lower-cost Go plans may see clearly labeled sponsored ads below some chatbot responses. Users on higher-tier paid plans, including Plus, Pro, Business, Enterprise and Education, will not see ads during this testing phase.
OpenAI has emphasised that ads will not influence the AI’s answers and will be separate from the assistant’s responses to ensure the core ChatGPT experience remains unchanged. Sponsored placements are visually distinct and labelled so users can tell them apart from the chatbot’s output.
According to the company, ads may be matched to the topic of the user’s current chat and will not appear in accounts where users are under 18 or in conversations involving sensitive or regulated topics such as health, mental health, or politics. Advertisers do not receive access to user conversations or personal information; only aggregated performance data such as views or clicks is shared. 
OpenAI says the trial is part of a deliberate, phased approach to learn from real-world use and feedback before expanding ad formats or reach. Users will be able to manage their ads experience, including turning off personalized ads or opting for ads-free access by upgrading to a paid plan.
The move comes as OpenAI explores diversified revenue models to support its infrastructure and ongoing investments in AI development, while aiming to keep free and low-cost access available to a large user base.
